​Never Buy a Book Again

Approximate $ Savings: $100's​Further to the e-book hit of this week there are sites (just Google one hundred free books or Pixel of Ink to name two) that send emails daily and are on Facebook, with a huge selection of books, all genes including children's, cooking, fiction and non-fiction etc. All you need is the kindle app (downloadable for free on to tablet, i-phone, computer if you don't have a kindle), and an Amazon account (free). Amazon also have a section where you can find 100's of books offered free daily. Just make sure they are still $0.00 when you go to 'purchase' as they can change hourly. Most of these books are offered by the writers free for a specific time so that the reader gets to know them.​- Contributed by Chris Peachey

​Books!

It may be that many of you are already aware of this but in case you are not. My MIL is an avid reader (5-6 books per week). She has an e reader (an I River but similar to a Kindle etc.). While you can buy books to download onto these devices you can also borrow e books from some libraries for free. Better still, if you love classics, any books that have been written by an author that has been dead for 100 years will be available for free download as well as some books by authors not dead for so long. Manybooks.net is one site from which they are available. If you have an iPad but no e reader, you can download the Kindle app for your iPad. I read The Hound of the Baskervilles on my iPad while away on holidays.
​- Contributed by Susan Rochford, 25th October 2013

​Try Your Local Library

Approximate $ Savings: $10 week for an avid reader/movie watcher​I love my local library! My local library is one of a group of six libraries that have a collective online catalogue. I can order books, DVDs and even music CDs online and my local branch will ring me when they are in. I love a good movie as much as the next person but working full-time and having two busy children means that it is nearly impossible to get out to the cinema (never mind the cost). DVDs are the best option for us (family movie nights with homemade popcorn) but I found that as well as the hiring fees it was not unusual to get a late fee when I forgot to return them. Then I discovered my local library also has DVDs. By searching the online catalogue I was able to find the last two DVDs in the series I was watching. Two whole series of my favourite TV show and that movie that came out a few months ago that my kids wanted to see... I have also ordered that new release book everyone is talking about and although I have to wait a couple of weeks I'm sure it will be worth the wait rather than rushing out to buy a book I may not even like!​- Contributed by Kirsty Channon, 12th July 2012

​Book Lovers Delight

​I have a lifetime love of books, but there are only so many that one can afford and store. After a bookshop trawling session, where I steadfastly refuse to purchase, I go to the online catalogue of my local library and check out if they have the book. A lot of the time they do, so I then reserve the item. I also do this after reading various book catalogues that are sent to me. On a number of occasions that the library has not had the book I was interested in, I have submitted a request for them to purchase it for the library and, if it fits with their purchasing plan, they buy it and notify me when they have it so I can be the first borrower. Not only has it saved me hundreds of dollars over a period of time, it has helped with a growing book storage problem and provided another book for other library users. Everyone wins. ​- Contributed by Jennifer Moore, 11th August 2011 Discuss this tip

​Library Books

​While browsing through the local bookshops, if you find a book that catches your eye, take note of the title and the author, go home and check your local library catalogue on the internet, there is a good chance it will be there and you can put it on hold. Most books I only read once so this is a great money saver for me. ​- Contributed by Sylvia Bell, 18th September 2010

​Park the Online Shopping Trolley

​Approximate $ Savings: $100​​I had my shopping trolley at a well known online shopping website loaded with $150 worth of books. It's not hard...they have calculated how to hook you into checking out more and more fabulous books. Instead of purchasing them (I always leave them in my trolley for a few days, at least, to give myself a "cooling off" period), this time I decided to look up the titles in the index of the state library online service. To my surprise I was able to find three of the titles plus other titles that were closely related. I ordered these titles and I'll get them in my hands before the shipment would have arrived if I'd purchased them. I still have three books in my trolley. I haven't ordered them yet...maybe they won't look so attractive after a few days and I can save myself a further $50!​- Contributed by Robyn Martin-Simpson, 18th September 2010

Save on Latest Magazines

Approximate $ Savings: $576.00 and the environment

I love to buy magazines and I like them to be current. I find that I can read a magazine in one sitting and after a while they collect dust. I don't refer back to them that often. I like to keep up to date with home and fashion. I have since discovered that the local library gets all the mags I usually buy and they are free. The catch is they are usually back issues. The latest issues are always snapped up very quickly. I have discovered that you can place a hold on any magazine and any issue for a small fee of 80 cents. This means I can have all my favourite mags and more and I save not only dollars as each magazines is usually around the $8 mark, but I also save time in trying to find them amongst all the other magazines. By placing a hold on the magazines, they are ready to collect all in one neat pile. Sometimes I may have to wait a week or two, but generally I am still reading the most current magazine. I have gone from spending $576 a year to $57.60 a year, a saving of $518.40. My husband is happy as I no longer have old magazines lying around the house that eventually end up in the bin - so another saving to the environment. I wish I had discovered this earlier. ​- Contributed by Wendy Ashcroft, 30th July 2010

​Cheap Books

​I have discovered a fabulous on-line book shop and the postage is free. http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/ The prices are very reasonable and you can use PayPal so you have buyer protection. I am an avid reader, like to own my own books, and have never had any issues with this company. I love them! ​- Contributed by Trudy Baikaloff, 23rd July 2010

​Brand New Bargain Books

​I would love all Cheapskaters to know about this amazing website www.thebookdepository.co.uk They have millions of books from bestsellers to more obscure titles at unbelievably great prices (much cheaper than what you pay in Australia) they are based in the UK but they ship free worldwide!!! I receive my order in 7-10 days and usually receive a free bookmark as well. I have used them a number of times and the service and quality are second to none. I love this site and I'm sure you will too. ​- Contributed by Jessica Williams, 23rd July 2010 Discuss this tip

​Cheapest Books

Approximate $ Savings: 30 percent off books

​ Get the cheapest books in Australia by buying online from The Book Depository UK. They post for free to Australia, and the prices are at least 30 percent cheaper than local book prices. They have cheaper university textbooks too. They even have stationery for sale for gifts, and have posted to New Zealand for free for me as well. www.bookdepository.co.uk - Contributed by Sue Morris, 19th July 2010

​Savings for Book Addicts

Approximate $ Savings: $1,040

As an advert book-reader, my book indulgence was a costly expenditure. When things got tight, I had to find an alternative book source. Borrowing from friends only went so far and secondhand bookstores was still out of budget. The solution was my local library branches. I save about $80 a month, which is roughly $1,040 per year, based on 1 new paperback a week, more savings if you buy hardcover. These days, I can go online and browse my local library catalogue for new books by my favourite authors. I keep a list of my favourite authors and their new releases I want to read. Once I signed up as a library member, I can login to the library website and reserve the books online, nominating which library branch I would like to pick up the books from and track my reservations. If the book I want is available at a different branch, the libraries also do inter-branch transfer, at no cost. I usually get an email when the book is available for pickup. Some of the libraries have free reservations, others charge a nominal handling fee (the Hornsby Shire library charges $2.50, while the Ryde Shire Library reservations are free). I've signed up to both librariess, which extends the book catalogue I can access. Most libraries do not charge you for becoming a member, even if you live outside the local area. If I'm waiting for a new release due out later that year, that the library does not have in its catalogue, I usually put in a New Book Request for the library to purchase the book and to reserve it. This way, I get the book first when it becomes available from the library. If I don't want to pay $2.50 to reserve the book, an alternative is to just put in a New Book Request, but not reserve it. Then just keep checking the online library catalogue for when the book is available. When the book becomes available, I then call the library and ask them to put the book aside. If I call the library directly to set the book aside, there is no charge, . Most libraries will set aside a hardcover or large format books. Some libraries have a policy of not setting aside paperback books. This is also a good way to try out new authors, at little cost. If I'm out of books to read, I often go to Amazon and look up my favourite author's newest release, then scroll down to see the "Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought" and check out the other books. I often find new books/authors to try out in the same genre I'm interested in. I can read the description and reviews on the books in Amazon, then check the library catalogue for the books and reserve them. If you can't find the book you're looking for in the local library, besides putting in a new book request to the library, you can also do a search on this website, http://librariesaustralia.nla.gov.au. It will show you which libraries around Australia has your book in their catalogue. Now, I don't feel guilty reading books by my favourite authors and I also save on bookshelf space at home! - Contributed by Belinda, Thornleigh, 14th July 2009

​Join a Book Club

​Approximate $ Savings: $240 - $360 per year

​If you enjoy reading and meeting new people you may wish to look into joining a book club. This is where a group reads a selected book and then meets to discuss it. They usually meet once a month. If you are considering this it would be worth asking about these at your local library. I found that my library organises these for free. They also organise for you to borrow the book each month - so there is no need to purchase it. The group reads one book per month so this saves me approx. $240 - $360 per year (based on the cost of a new book).​- Contributed by Xanthe, Pymble, 17th July 2009

Booko.com.au, bookdepository.co.uk

Approximate $ Savings: $10 upwards

​ I have found a great website for researching prices and purchasing books, www.booko.com.au. Books aren't cheap and if you order online, there can be a substantial postage charge and you have to check the exchange rate if ordering from overseas. Booko does all the work for you by checking over 30 websites in Aust and overseas and then listing the price of the book including postage in AUD from each site so you can compare and then click through to order the book. Often the best price is from a UK website www.bookdepository.co.uk which does free shipping to Aust and I have purchased a couple of out of print books for half the price of the Aust sites and received the books in less than 10 days.​- Contributed by Karen, Rowville, 12th May 2009

​Easy Reading

Approximate $ Savings: $5 per week​My guilty indulgence is gossipy magazines, but at $3 or $4 a pop it can add up. I've discovered that my local library keeps a stack of donated weekly magazines which are not barcoded like ordinary library items - so you don't have to check them out, you just take and return as you like. I've found that it really doesn't matter whether the gossip about Brad and Angelina is several weeks old - for me the pleasure is in a lazy afternoon with a cup of tea and some easy reading. If your library doesn't have a stack, consider donating your old magazines and starting a collection. ​- Contributed by Christine, Omaha Beach, 9th May 2009

​Reading Log

I read a lot and sometimes I used to lose track of the books I'd read. But not anymore now that I list the names of the books I have read in an address book by the author's last name. For the voracious reader, this simple system helps to avoid repeat purchases. ​- Contributed by Catherine, North Bayswater, 5th May 2010

​Why Buy, When One Can Read for Free?

The reading log idea is a great one, but why buy books in the first place? Every week the library is one of my 'stops' while shopping. Books can be borrowed for a month and even renewed. ​- Contributed by Alice Sheppard, 4th June 2010

​No Charge for Reservations

​Many libraries, for instance Boroondara in Melbourne's east, do not charge at all for reserving items - more savings for those library patrons. Also, remember, you can join any library you want to, you don't have to show rate notices to show that you live in the area. - Contributed by Laurie Parker, 26th June 2010

​Feed Your Magazine Habit

I love magazines but can't afford subscriptions any longer. I was happy to discover a website called issuu (http://issuu.com/publications) which has magazines on line from around the world. You can read them online but actually in a magazine format (i.e. you can flick through the pages)in the comfort of your own home, with a cup of tea and without breaking the bank. My particular favourite this month is Southern Flourish http://issuu.com/southernflourish/docs/southernflourishsummer2010 - Contributed by Rose Babic, 25th June 2010

​Book Exchange

​Approximate $ Savings: $30

Every few months I gather up anew of our unused books and take them to the book exchange. For about 15 books I usually get a credit of around $30 that we use over the . Then once a week I take the kids "shopping" for some "new" books. Its a great reward for them and doesn't cost me a cent! ​- Contributed by Anita, Bundaberg, 5th February 2009

​Magazine Subscriptions Online

Approximate $ Savings: $300+ for each subscription Magazine subscriptions are available online now. For those who can't do without car/bike/sport/home & garden/music/cooking magazines - can use this website and download them to your PC. Access them at any time and the cost is approx $12-$20 per 12 issues. http://www.zinio.net/ Happy reading. - Contributed by Sally, 5th February 2009
Website: www.zinio.net

​Rotating the Mag Stash

Approximate $ Savings: $144.00 per year​ I like to read gardening, lifestyle and food magazines and over the past 5 years I have managed to collect sixty or more. They were just collecting dust in a box in the shed. Instead of continuing to buy more magazines I decided to sort the ones I had into the month the were issued i.e. January through to December. At the beginning of each month I get out a new pile of magazines and put the previous months at the bottom of the pile for next year. So far it is working great. I haven't bought any new magazines in the past six months, all the gardening articles are appropriate for the time of year as are the recipes for using in season vegetables. Where I have two gardening magazines in the same month you would be surprised to notice that many of the articles are very, very similar. I have also included all our old phantom comics into the mix which keeps my hubby and father-in-law happy. Happy reading! ​- Contributed by Katherine, Allens Rivulet, 5th February 2009

​Budget Saving Books

I travel on train to work and the cost of buying books/magazines is too much, so here is my tip: if I find an author I like, I photocopy the page inside the cover which lists all the books the author has written, and I order them online from the library. No more expense of buying books! ​- Contributed by Christine, Gilston, 7th May 2010

​Read All the Books You Like for a Less

We all know books can be expensive to purchase (most for a one off read), but I have discovered www.bookdepository.com It's a UK site that has just about every book (there hasn't been one I haven't found yet), they even sell university text books, and they are a fraction of the price. But best of all, they have FREE postage to anywhere in the world. I have also cut costs by getting together with friends and splitting what books we want to read, and then swapping, so we all get more for our money. - Contributed by Lisa, Nambour, 4th May 2010

​Lunchroom Book Exchange

I usually only read a book once and then it sits on a book shelf gathering dust. After buying many books to read on the train, I realised many of my work buddies were doing the same thing. So, I started a book exchange in the lunch room. Just bring along your old books to share with others and you can share their books. No need to return books - just turn on to the next needy reader! ​- Contributed by Michele, Forest Hill, 27th August 2009

​Six Books for the Price of One

​Recently I was looking for a particular titled book in all the book stores. Most stores didn't have a copy and those that did had it retailing for $60+. Whilst lamenting this fact to a friend, they advised me to try http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/ Amazingly they had several copies and at 35% cheaper than any store here in Australia with free delivery! I took advantage of the savings and bought a further 5 books for what I would have originally paid for one. It truly is a bookworms Mecca! My advice to those looking to purchase something is to research online thoroughly. Don't be daunted by the international dollar exchange rates. Its amazing the savings that can be made. - Contributed by Helen, Avondale Heights, 21st January 2010

​Google Books

My hint would be Google books. I recently found out that you can click on Google books, sign in with a Gmail address or create one. You can then look up and read online as many books as you can think of. You can choose to read part of selected books to find out if interested, or full versions from public domain and others that have been placed on there. As my daughter and I read a lot, we have /will save a fortune, not only by not purchasing many books, but in not driving to the public library. Hope this tip helps someone out. ​- Contributed by Carla, Engadine, 21st April 2010

​Join the library!

Approximate $ Savings: $133 per month​​The answer was always there but for people in my generation (well certainly my sphere anyway) the library is overlooked – it's considered a museum for books, a place for odd people to browse through encyclopaedias, play with the microfiche and wonder at the single computers that should be in a museum. I think not my friend. Not now days. I was recommended a book by a friend - 'Rich Dad Poor Dad' but as I am on a seriously insane budget, I refused to buy the book. None of my friends had a copy so I searched online and found out that my local library had it! I joined my local library for free to gain access to the 500,000 item stock and walked away that smiley morning (having spent 2 hours on the internet and read a few magazines for free), with a pile of DVD's, a pile of money saving books (including 'Rich Dad Poor Dad' - and this gives me another idea – sorry Cath) and a bunch of CD's. You can borrow 20 items at a time for 3 weeks and can renew them yourself online for a further 6 weeks. That's 20 items for 9 weeks for free. Even if an item is late the charge is only 5 cents! But we're Cheapskates right. You can email the library and request items (including childs toys!) to be delivered to your local branch for free. You can log in online and build up a list of what you want to borrow. You can even take a laptop, kick back on a comfy couch and connect via wifi for free, great for students who want a quiet office environment to study. My library is a modern, clean, cool and generally pleasant place to hang, not like it used to be at all. Plan your library visit for a hot day and relax in the free air conditioning. Potential monthly family savings might be $133 per month as follows – DVD club $35, Magazines $40, Internet $30, Books $28. Oh, remember to take your shopping bags with you to carry all your loot home rather than pay $4 for a souvenir library bag. ​- Contributed by Garry, Pyrmont, 5th February 2010

​Book Addict Feeds Addiction and Saves Money

Approximate $ Savings: $120.00 month +​​A serious book addict, I used to buy at least one new book every single week, which started really adding up. I now go to my local library and stock up on "free" books, which I just love doing - it gives me the same satisfaction. I also extend my loans on any favourite books. This trick has saved me lots of money, yet I still get to read books I love. I still treat myself to the occasional book every few months, I just don't need to do it every week now. I buy my occasional books on Amazon, which saves me more money as they are only around $10 US each, which works out to be cheaper than buying books in Australia at approximately $30 to $40 each (AUD), even with the international postage included. ​- Contributed by Jodie, Caboolture, 6th January 2010

​Second hand Magazine Swap

Approximate $ Savings: $70 over a year.

​I love to read but these days books and magazines can be expensive. Most new books cost upwards of $19 from book stores and magazines cost anywhere from $5 - $9.50 each!!!! I am a member of my local library but I don't always like the books available at my local library. (Which by the way if you're not a member of your local library join now. They have recent books, CD's & DVD's, magazines, free wireless internet and air conditioning. So come summer it will be even better to visit). I have however just started buying magazines from second hand book shops. They cost approximately $2 - $3 each, the information never goes old and they look brand new. I have a few second hand book stores near me in Coolangatta, QLD and they stock magazines on a range of topics from surfing, health, nature, photography etc. My friends and I all do magazine swaps. Once you have read the magazine you pass it on. This means your bargain buy goes even further. I now spend my $2 - $3 every three months but read a new magazine every two weeks. ​- Contributed by Marion, Currumbin, 2nd November 2009

​Save Every Day on Reading Material and DVDs

​Instead of buying books, newspapers, magazines and DVDs borrow them from your library. If you want to buy books check out what day your library sells them off and pick up real bargains from about 10cents. You could always on sell them if you needed money. ​- Contributed by Tracey, Coapcabana, 8th November 2009

​Get Your Books From the Book Depository

​Approximate $ Savings: $13 per bookI cannot live without buying books, but it was getting expensive even from ebay. A blog I've been following lead me to a UK online bookstore www.bookdepository.com, where they have FREE postage worldwide, with prices anywhere from $7 AUD for the latest books. This saves me upwards of $10 per book I would buy from a bookstore at the shops.​- Contributed by Jennifer, Rockingham, 2nd September 2009

​No Magazine Waste With These Savvy Readers

​Brilliant Bookmarks

​Those metal snap hair clips make great, inexpensive bookmarks. You can snap the point of the clip so it points directly to the place on the page where you stopped reading. The clips hold onto the pages without ripping them. You can buy sets of different coloured hair clips at $2 shops so you can have one colour for each reader in the family. You'll always know who's reading which book and just where they're up to - great if you are waiting to read the same book! ​- Contributed by Sally-jane, Baulkham Hills, 5th June 2009

​Reply to Brilliant Bookmarks

In your newsletter you said you were going to try a particular hint using a Kirby grip or snap hair clip as a bookmark. Please don't! The grips are curved and have a protruding rivet. If one of these is used over the page of a book it will bend the page and quite likely put a hole or at least a deep indentation in the page. If it's left for more than a day or so the whole book will buckle. It's not so bad for a disposable Mills & Boon but if you are doing this to a book of any value you will ruin it. Bookmarks made from thin card are really the best as they do not damage the book in any way. Yes I am a reader and collector and if there is one thing I hate to see it's a damaged book. Georgia ​-Contributed by Georgia, Keilor, 7th June 2009

Editors Note: In the interests of all readers, because my books are precious to me and because I was curious, I tried this bookmark on three books: 2 hardcover and one paperback. While I can see Georgia's point, none of the books were damaged at all after a day, so I left them on the coffee table for a week. I can't see any buckling and there are no indentations on the pages. Perhaps my books weren't heavy enough. As with all tips in the Journal, use this one with common sense. If you're not sure, or your book is precious or especially valuable, then continue to use paper bookmarks. Cath

​Book a Book Before You Buy

​Approximate $ Savings: $600 or more per year

​I am a avid reader and always used to go to bookstores and buy any book that took my fancy. Now I order the book from the library, read it and if I think I just have to have a copy I jump onto eBay and buy it for a fraction of the cost. If the library hasn't got the book and can't get it I can recommend that it be bought. I save money and space and I am also learning to be patient. ​- Contributed by Anna, Heathmont, 17th June 2009

​Book Wish List

​Approximate $ Savings: $50+

​We absolutely LOVE books. We have 3 kids all under 9. We don't have a Wii, playstation, DS or Nintendo...infact my kids always get weird looks for not having any of them! Usually we pick up books dirt cheap at swap meets, fetes and Scholastics warehouse sales. However, I do have a soft spot for the regular Scholastic catalogues through the school. Today, after looking at my kids "wish" lists and slashing it a little, I compared prices online and thought twice: is it a once off read or one that would be read several times by all three? I chose the books that continued a series where I knew my kids had really loved the previous books in the series and also weren't available in the library. Books that were available from the library were crossed off the list and have now been requested online (a savings of $51). I do love Scholastic and am happy to know that the funds raised go back to my school. I make a list of all books to be requested from the library and request them two at a time. I saved $51 on this occasion, based on this saving over a year, this could easily amount to $200 or more. The books purchased will be used for Easter presents - the only chocolate expense for Easter will be a bag of small Easter eggs for a chocolate hunt! ​- Contributed by Tanya, Hillarys, 11th March 2009

​Local Libraries Are Not What They Used To Be

​I love reading and its great entertainment, not to mention educational, especially for kids! Until recently I tried to buy and resell my books at second-hand bookstores, not getting a heap of value. Recently I've rediscovered my local library. Not only have they got lots of new books and all the top new publications, they have a reasonable collection of DVDs! Nothing at all like the dusty old library books I remember from childhood. Most libraries provide lots of other great services from allowing you to request new books for them to purchase to having free Internet. Even if like my library there is a small ($1.50) fee to reserve the popular titles, that is a huge saving on buying the book! A super way in the current times to read all the novels you want, grab a few DVDs and even surf the internet all for free! Just don't forget to return it all on time to avoid fines! ​- Contributed by Jo, Balmain, 23rd March 2009

​Check Out Your Local Library - It's Great!

​I'm not much of a reader and so before I had kids I tended not to go to the library. I didn't know just how much was on offer there. My kids love having a story read to them but best of all they enjoy watching Hi-5, The Wiggles or any other children's movie all of which are available at the library for FREE. I just go to the library's website, reserve whatever DVD I might like to watch or think the kids will like and they send am email when it comes in. No more buying DVD's or renting from the shop to have them eventually lying somewhere in a cupboard. ​- Contributed by Megan, Bull Creek, 18th March 2009

​Your Very Own Book Service

​I have discovered that the library system in Canberra allows its members to browse the catalogue online and request books. When the book becomes available, a text is sent to my mobile phone, and the book awaits my collection at the library location of my choice, for about 10 days. Now I can still browse bookstores to my heart's delight, without having to restrain myself from buying books and blowing my budget. Instead every time I identify a title I would like to read, I write ait down, then order it from the library instead of making the purchase. Given my library membership is free, I save as much as each book would cost. ​- Contributed by Joanne, Barton, 13th January 2009

​Borders Book store

​If you enjoy books, DVD's, games etc, log onto borders.com.au and join their (free) shortlist club. Just by doing this you receive a 20% voucher to print for any full priced item in the store, also you continue to receive other vouchers from them. I have received an up to 40% voucher which has come in very handy for those Christmas presents. ​- Contributed by Christine, Ferntree Gully, 24th November 2008 Website: borders.com.au

Subscribetoday.com.au

Approximate $ Savings: up to 45%

​Depending on your budget for Christmas presents, magazine subscriptions can be a really thoughtful and helpful present. My Nan spends a lot on magazines and buying her a subscription to just one of them could help take the stress out of her pensioner's budget for the year. Go to subscribetoday.com.au if you're interested because they're having a Christmas sale right now, and you can save up to 45% on some yearly and half yearly subscriptions (Who Magazine is quite popular and on sale, amongst others, and they also have some on sale for teens). If even with the savings, if the present is not within your budget for that person's Christmas gift, see if another friend/family member will share the cost of it. They will probably be glad that there is one less person to think of over Christmas, while still giving a great gift. - Contributed by Rebecca, Bridgewater, 15th November 2008

​My Favourite Book Shop Has Free Delivery Worldwide

Approximate $ Savings: Half the normal cost
This is my favourite web site: www.bookdepository.com It is a "book store" in U.K. and sends books all over the world for FREE postage. I have found the books to be half the retail purchase price, plus you save money not having to drive anywhere! Delivery is usually around 1 week from ordering. They have thousands of titles and categories. - Contributed by Christine, Heyfield, 23rd September 2008

​Avon Books

​Approximate $ Savings: $5.00 on this book alone​I Recently purchased Debt Free, Cashed Up and Laughing for a cost of $14.99 through an Avon representative in an Avon Book cheaper than the book store of $19.99 That's how I found out about this web page. Avon often has excellent, current titles at heavily discounted prices, making books you want to keep much more affordable. ​- Contributed by Helen, Mareeba, 11 September 2008

​Enjoy the Luxury of Reading

​Approximate $ Savings: $100'S

​Everyone loves the opportunity, even if it is rare, to sit back with a cuppa and read a great book. With adult books ranging from $20 upwards and children's books $8.00 upwards, buying new books can very quickly become expensive. Instead of purchasing new books hit the local charity shops such as The Salvation Army, Red Cross, St Vincent De Paul to hunt out those bargains. I recently purchased several Maeve Binchy books at prices ranging from 50c to $2 each - a fraction of the cost of new books. Once you have read them, donate them back to the Charity or if you need to make some extra cash for Christmas, consider selling them on the internet ie Ebay. I resold my 3 books (Total Cost $3.00) for $6.00 each (total of $18.00) which netted a nice little profit of $14.10 after listing fees were deducted. And if you read on average 3 books per month that's a massive saving of at least $170/year and in many cases more! Not only to you help out the charity - but you save yourself a bundle too. The same rules apply for children's books. These can often be picked up at between 20c-$1 and again resell on the net. Use the savings to build up that Christmas budget or take the kids to the shop for ice-cream as a treat every now and then. They'll think your the best and they get to have their cake and eat it too - so to speak!!!! - Contributed by Tracy, Panania, 25th August 2008

Magzines for Students

​If you are a student (or have a student in the family) you can get heavily discounted magazine subscriptions at http://www.studentmagazines.com.au. There is a huge range to choose from, including most of the popular lifestyle mags such as Who Weekly etc, business and computer and technology magazines. Titles like Vogue, BRW, National Geographic, Financial Review etc are all available at discount prices for students. Worth taking a look at if you buy magazines. ​- Contributed by Anne, North Bayswater, 10th August 2008

​SWIFT Libraries Consortium

​Approximate $ Savings: Save up to $5 on DVD hire per item. Save up to $10 on a magazine including PC mags.

​Savings on books only limited by how many you can read in a year. Now that I am a library studies student and a casual library officer, I would like to bring to the attention of the existence of the SWIFT Libraries Consortium to families living in the following regions: Campaspe, Casey-Cardinia, Central Highlands, Eastern Regional, City of Greater Dandenong, Gannawarra, Goulbourn Valley, High Country, Latrobe City, Melton, Mildura, West Gippsland, Wimmera and Yarra libraries- that you can now access for free books (fiction & non-fiction), magazines, talking books, education kits, CD Roms and DVDs (generally free)for all ages and interests from any of these libraries in the system. Just reserve via your internet library account or ring or visit your library and ask the staff to reserve for you. You can read the latest books and recent magazines and borrow DVDs and pay nothing or maybe a dollar for DVDs. As more and more libraries join the consortium the more variety you can access. Check your state for similar networks. ​- Contributed by Diane, Bacchus Marsh, 18th July 2008

​Glossy Mags for Free

Approximate $ Savings: $1200/year

​ I love reading the glossy magazines as much as the next person, in fact I must go through ten magazines a month [Delicious, G Magazine, Home Beautiful, Country Style, House and Garden etc]. If I was buying them it would cost me at least $100 a month. Instead I borrow them from the library [often I can borrow the latest issue and even if I can't they are all new to me] and save at least $1200 a year. The library is free to join, I can reserve them online or pop in and browse the shelves. Even on one income and with a young family I don't have to miss out. And then there are all the new books I borrow also saving even more money and not having to find a space to store them [both the good and the dud books!]. ​- Contributed by Leisa, Wauchope, 9th July 2008

​Environmentally Friendly Book Seller

Approximate $ Savings up to $20 per item

​For those of us who love to read, either fiction or non-fiction, or get stuck trying to find a particular author, there is a website called www.betterworld.com which will ship new or used books (from as little as $3.48) for $2.97 anywhere in the world. So because the $AUD is so strong against the $USD at present, for as little as $8, you can have that sought after, difficult to find book, for about $20 less than you'd have to order it in from the bookstore for. Plus, they charge a 15c levy per book to offset the carbon emissions per book shipped. So it's more environmentally friendly than most other consumables. ​- Contributed by Danick, Cardiff South, 9th July 2008

​The Good Life Book Club

​I have not long started reading a fabulous book titled 'Living The Good Life' by Linda Cockburn. It is basically one Australian family documenting how they tried to spend no money for six months by growing all their own needs on their half acre block, made, modified, or went without. It covers their battles, successes, joys and tips for regaining a measure of control over their lives. I ordered the book through 'The Good Life Book Club' who can be contacted on (03) 5424 1814 or via the web at www.goodlifebookclub.com The book includes recipes for food, liquid fertiliser, sunflower oil, laundry gel, white oil, home-grown peanut butter, soapwort shampoo as well as lots more. Well worth reading if you like this sort of stuff. Another book I have from the book club is titled 'The New Complete Book of Self-Sufficiency' by John Seymour. It was not listed in their catalogue but they ordered it in for me. As yet I have to read it as my husband took it before I could get a look, but he says its a fantastic book covering a variety of topics. I just thought maybe some other Cheapskaters may enjoy these books. I hope this idea is of help to anyone. Happy reading!! ​- Contributed by Emma, Guyra, 30th April 2008

​Free Family Entertainment from the Library

​Explore the local public library for DVDs, CDs, magazines, newspapers and books. They have a fantastic range of material and a lot of items are brand new. The children love coming with me each week for their books, comics, CDs and DVDs. We also use the library's computers and Internet and this allows us to maintain a low-cost broadband plan at home. ​- Contributed by Samantha, Alstonvale, 27th June 2008

​Library Use

​Approximate $ Savings: $500 a year

​Utilize your local library! Libraries now have more than books. Our council libraries have an online catalogue and as a member you can log in and make reservations of everything available. I love reading but can't afford to buy the latest books but I am happy to wait for a copy to come into the library. My kids love comics, so I jump online and reserve their favourites for them to read. Libraries also have a range of CD's, DVD's, toys, magazines, computer games and more. Now I can continually rotate items for the kids without spending a cent! - Contributed by Julie, Burside, 17th June 2008

​Your Local Library - More Than Just Booksd

I love my local library. I suppose all Cheapskaters use the library for borrowing but as technology advances so do the library benefits. I f there is a book, magazine or DVD I want I check my library's online catalogue, and reserve the item if I need to. They will often allow you to pick up the item at the branch of your choice. I also have my library borrow from anywhere in Australia on my behalf, for a small fee. This saves money on purchasing items and travel costs too. We use the library online for homework research, you can use the Internet at the library, do family tree research, participate in talks, classes, story time and school holiday activities. And don't forget the library book sales. Libraries are great for Cheapskates and need our support. ​- Contributed by Sharon, Beaumont Hills, 12th June 2008

​Book Heaven

​After reading another Cheapskates tip I had to put this on as booktopia is only cheap on some things. I use Fishpond (www.fishpond.com.au) they also offer free postage if the order is over $50 which isn't hard. I put things I want into a wish list. The other day they offered $10 off if I ordered things that were in my wish list as they had been there for over 4 weeks. My tip for hard to find books is an American site www.deepdiscount.com which has books/cd/dvds/magazines. When finding the best bargain with books I usually have about 4 windows open and search on all and order from the cheapest on the total (including delivery). ​- Contributed by Heather, Wyoming, 3rd June 2008

​Book Lover Heaven

​Don't know if you already have this one or not, but I just discovered a great place to buy discounted books. There are hundreds of books to choose from in a variety of topics. The website is www.booktopia.com.au. They are obviously an Australian site but will send orders overseas. Their prices are great, including the cost of postage. Worth checking out for booklovers like myself. Happy shopping!! ​- Contributed by Emma, Guyra, 3rd May 2008

​Check Your Local Library

Approximate $ Savings: $6+ per magazine

Check your local library for your favourite magazine. If you don't have enough friends to share different magazines around, your local library may have them to borrow for free. Some libraries have an ongoing book sale table for discarded books and if there is a Friends of the Library at that particular site, they may have an annual book sale of these and donated books. My own library also sells cheap USB storage devices and book marks for their fundraising to purchase books and equipment. - Contributed by Betty, Banora Point, 6th April 2008

​Maintaining the Book Habit Free of Charge

​Approximate $ Savings: $800.00 I am a single person living alone so there are only so many ways to try and save money. On looking through the list of how I had spent my money over the previous 3 months I found that I had spent almost $200 on books (novels). Over 12 months that makes it $800. So, I decided to join the local library as someone suggested and as its still light when I get home I've been walking there. This saves me money on the actual books themselves (you can request new releases), money for petrol in the car plus I am getting fitter and healthier as i go at least once a week. If you only get 1 or 2 books at a time then they're not too heavy to carry.​- Contributed by Nicola, Bibra Lake, 26th February 2008

​Book Lover Reserves Books and Saves Money

Approximate $ Savings: varies $44 for this time
I love books and have in the past indulged far to easily for the good of my purse or my storage space. I currently have been lusting after a newly published knitting and felting book costing $45. Instead of buying it I have put in a request to my local City of Kingston library service for them to buy it and reserved it to be the first borrower. Cost to me $1.00 for the reserve.​ - Contributed by Clare, Highett, 30th October 2007

​Free Magazine

Approximate $ Savings: $6.95

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I love new recipes and I used to buy Notebook magazine. Then I found out that you can join their website mailing list for FREE and print off any recipes or article that you want. They also send me a monthly newsletter via email for free. I stopped buying the magazine now and just print what I want at home! Save money and the environment (all that extra magazine paper that gets thrown out). - Contributed by Rebekah, Coffs Harbour, 19th June 2007

​Saving on Magazines

​When purchasing magazines for yourself your as gifts always buy a subscription as this is much cheaper than buying from your local newsagent or alternatively if you find a magazine that you are interested in check if your local library has it. ​- Contributed by Tracey, Brunswick, August 18th, 2006